[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 190 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOAN TUNTLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JON C. PORTER-

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear 
friend, Joan Tuntland, who passed away on June 18, 2007, with the same 
strength, poise, and grace which defined her life.
  Joan was born in 1937 in Stockton, California, and moved as a young 
child to Reno, Nevada, with her family. There she grew up attending 
Veteran's Memorial Elementary School and subsequently graduated from 
Reno High School in 1956. The friendships Joan forged during her time 
at Reno High School proved to be lifelong, culminating in her 50-year 
high school reunion last summer.
  Joan worked various jobs and eventually met her husband, Larry, while 
they were both employed at the First National Bank of Nevada. Larry 
would later become president, thanks in part to the support offered by 
Joan. Joan and Larry were married in February of 1963, and soon 
welcomed two sons, Daniel and Ray, into their young family. Joan and 
her young family moved to Las Vegas in 1983, where Joan immediately 
became active in the community. These contacts forged friendships which 
she would hold dearly the rest of her life.
  While in Las Vegas, Joan became active with Bishop Gorman High 
School, mirroring her involvement at Bishop Manogue High School in 
Reno. Her continuous support of Bishop Gorman High School was formally 
acknowledged as she and Larry were bestowed the honor of being inducted 
into the Royal Order of the Gael in March of 1992. In 1996, shortly 
before her husband's retirement they relocated back to Reno, Nevada.
  Joan was blessed throughout her life with many amazing friendships; 
however, family remained her primary purpose and true love in her life. 
Her love, leadership, and spirituality made her the rock and foundation 
of her family.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend 
Mrs. Joan Tuntland. Her dedication and love for her family and 
community should serve as an example to us all. I applaud all her 
efforts and accomplishments and I send my sympathies, as she will be 
missed by many.

                          ____________________